Fort Jackson burn to send smoke into sky

Fort Jackson foresters are intentionally setting 110 acres on fire this morning as part of their management of woodlands that cover the sprawling Army training center.

The burn will be on the base near Percival and Screaming Eagle roads. Controlled burns clear underbrush that could lead to serious forest fires at later times. Controlled burns also help stimulate growth of some forest trees.

During such burns, experts watch the fire and manage it to keep it from getting out of hand.

Patrick Jones, a Fort Jackson spokesman, said foresters do not expect smoke to cross roads as the burn takes hold. Foresters take wind direction into account before beginning a controlled burn, he said.